Finance & Office Operations Associate

Finance & Office Operations Associate, Brooklyn, New York

In-Person Work Required

This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime

WHO WE ARE

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 1,700 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We envision a pathway to equity that features outstanding curriculum and instruction as well as ample opportunities for students to achieve success in and out of the classroom. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE

Explore Schools seeks a professional with a Bachelors in Accounting, Finance, or Business to fill the role of Finance & Office Operations Associate. The ideal candidate has superb organization and prioritization skills, meets deadlines, and stays on top of important details. They should enjoy collaborating on a team and supporting where needed. They are eager to grow their finance and office management skills and excited to take on new challenges. Additionally, you possess the following qualities:

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Willing to engage in identity work necessary to heighten your own awareness and improve your capacity to view your workstreams through an anti-white supremacy lens
• Steadfast commitment to collaboration and teamwork
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to execute tasks efficiently and with a sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Ability to execute and communicate in a direct and sensitive fashion
• Professional integrity, flexibility, and a reflective attitude
• Technical skills in Excel and data entry, preferred
• Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs frequently and lift up to 20 pounds
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business, required

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Finance & Office Operations Associate plays a critical role in supporting both the financial and office management functions at Explore Schools. This dual-role position ensures timely and accurate financial processing while maintaining a welcoming, functional office environment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and thrives on keeping systems running smoothly behind the scenes.

While the role is structured to be evenly split between finance and operations, the allocation of time may shift depending on team priorities and seasonal demands. This position reports to the Director of Finance and also supports the Special Assistant to the CEO with office operations. Success in the role requires professionalism, reliability, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable & Finance Support

• Partner with the Director of Finance to support the accounts payable process, including collecting, processing, and accurately coding invoices in alignment with our chart of accounts and budget
• Ensure timely data entry and tracking of invoices for approval and payment
• Monitor and respond to vendor inquiries, research discrepancies, and follow up on outstanding items
• Perform miscellaneous reconciliations, including vendor statements and internal spending reports
• Partner with the ESI Operations team to support per-pupil billing by entering data and reconciling reports against vendor portals to ensure accurate billing and funding
• Assist in preparing documentation for the annual audit and other compliance-related projects
• Provide general administrative and analytical support to the Finance Team and participate in ad hoc projects as needed

Office Management Support

• Partner with the Special Assistant to the CEO to provide general administrative and operational support to ensure the office runs efficiently on a day-to-day basis
• Manage office supplies, office equipment, and refreshments, including ordering, inventory tracking, and incorporating staff feedback and preferences
• Coordinate with facility service providers, including cleaning vendors, to maintain a clean and functional workspace and escalate any service issues as needed
• Manage building access and security, including staff credentials, guest registration, and coordination with building management systems
• Oversee conference room scheduling and functionality, ensuring meeting spaces are properly booked, equipped, and supported
• Support office culture and events, including coordination of staff gatherings, appreciation efforts, and seasonal celebrations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more.

• The salary range for the incoming Finance & Office Operations Associate is $50,000 to $65,000. This is our good faith range at the time of posting.
• Incoming salaries are determined based on experience and internal equity.
• Because we value staff members staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges and this is the range for incoming staff members only.
• This is base salary and does not include additional compensation opportunities, such as signing bonuses, additional time worked pay, stipends, leadership opportunities, and additional pay for specialized certifications and advanced degrees.

Additionally, you can expect:

• A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more!
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic plannings
• Our ESI Staff also have the opportunity to seek out and attend professional development, have a supervisor committed to their growth and development, and are eligible to apply to our staff scholarship program

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in-person. For this position:

• In-person work is required at the ESI office (located in Dumbo) 4 days per week with the other day being remote as an option
• This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime
• The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Tiffany Williams know immediately.